321 stainless steel (1.4541) is a heat resistant grade supplied into numerous industry sectors. The key property of this grade is the added titanium content (5 x C%) stabilising the material and making its resistance to carbide precipitation when exposed to high temperatures and resistance to oxidation its main characteristics. Whilst retaining good strength and corrosion resistance when exposed to high temperatures, this grade of stainless steel like most austenitic grades will also maintain its strength and toughness at sub-zero temperatures, making this an excellent choice for various applications ranging from oil refinery equipment to automotive exhaust systems. This heat resistant grade of stainless steel has a maximum dry air service temperature of 850ºC.
Remarkably high strength as well as scaling resistance and phase stability set 321 Stainless Steel apart from other similar grades. This grade is not, however, recommended for welding consumable, as the titanium component does not allow good transfer of heat across a high-temperature arc.
